Why Pat McGrath's New Phantom 002 Collection Is a Game Changer

The ground is shaking in the beauty world today. Makeup genius Pat McGrath has finally unveiled the much-awaited addition to her Pat McGrath Labs line of products, Phantom 002—and it turns out it's not a single product but a limited-edition eight-piece kit featuring foil-like pigments in hues of yellow gold, neon blue, burnished copper, and fuchsia. And, as you might expect from the woman known for finding new and inventive ways of wearing color, each can be worn on the lids, lips, cheeks, and more.

Eagle-eyed fans will spot a similar shade to her first product Gold 001 (which became an instant sensation when she released it in late October) in the mix, but rest assured, this is an entirely different product with a different breed of pigments—Gold 002 has an even more reflective finish. Also in the kit: Colors Blue 002 pigment, Copper 002 pigment, Fuchsia 002 eye blush, Black 002 eye gloss, Black Caviar gel liner as well as a Blender brush 002, and Flat brush 002. The projected star of the line is the eye gloss, a shiny, inky base that turns everything it touches into a multi-dimensional oil slick.

Of course, this is all in line with what McGrath is all about. Blackest-black, inky looks are one of her signatures. The British artist's innovative use of pigment also has made her one of the most influential and sought-after makeup artists for both magazine shoots and fashion shows, all despite her lack of formal training. A master of pigment in general, if there's one person in the world who can find something innovative in this category, it's McGrath. Another thing she's most lauded for? Her work with unexpected materials such as vinyl, feathers, and pearls. Even her Barbie has edge. It's no wonder she challenged herself to create finishes that are completely unlike anything on the market today.

Take, for example, the brilliant gold-foil lips she gave the models at the Prada spring 2016 show. (Which might we add, she used her first product, Gold 001, to create.)

As for how to wear the bold products, take McGrath's advice. When it comes to making strong looks wearable, she once told us, "To balance out strong eyes and lips, mix up your textures so you don't overwhelm the face." Meaning, if you're wearing glossy lips, opt for a matte liquid eyeliner. She also noted it's important to keep your skin natural so your eyes and lips can be the main attraction.

Mark your calendar for the official release of Phantom 002, which will cost you a cool $240 for the whole set. The collection goes live at noon on December 15 at patmcgrath.com. Only 1,200 of them were made (they're coming straight from her makeup lab), so if you want to get in on the goods, you better act fast.